More than a decade ago, I sailed on the m/s Zaandam and met a fascinating woman named Veronika.

Veronika worked in the shops. A well-read woman, I would often see her sitting in the passenger cafeteria on sea days with a book and a tea. We were friends, and one day I sat down and asked about the book.

More than a decade later, I now own my own copy of “The Master and Margarita”, by Mikhail Bulgakov. I started reading a few pages and I’m hooked.

I enjoy the descriptions of Moscow, the language used, and Bulgakov’s wit.

I don’t often read fiction; and I’m glad I’m starting.